Homemade Mac and Cheese

Potato Gratin with Rosemary Crust

This recipe was from a foodie friend. I made this the night before. We had this yummy potato dish with knockwurst while Valentina made a Peppa Pig gingerbread house and showed us her new love for embroidery. Grandma shared her scrapbook of her 50th wedding anniversary, and she shared interesting memories. It was good to laugh and tell stories. We talked about a card she really enjoyed and their trip to Boar’s Head Inn.

Traditional Green Been Casserole with Onion Topping you find on the back of the packaged fried onions

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sauerkraut (Store bought)

Rolls (Store bought)

Canned Cranberry (store bought)

Grilled Turkey–Maple Brined Turkey with Bacon Gravy

Apple/Sausage Dressing

Pecan Pie (Store bought)

The morning was spent with my mom studying Oswald Chambers. We did the daily devotion with dad’s picture on the table. It was wonderful that that the devotion was about the message of “the cross”. That was my dad’s greatest desire for everyone to know the love of Jesus.

I texted a friend to check in on her, and we both ended up in a virtual yoga class from project yoga Richmond from 9:30 – 10:30. It was great to see her face and to know we were practicing together. I set my intention on love and forgiveness. The opening of my heart and connecting with others to assure our lights would shine throughout the day brought peace.

I made the sides and Parish grilled the turkey, made the stuffing, and the gravy. I’m also the “cleaner upper” of all the constant dishes and mess that is generated. We all agreed to wait and eat–skip breakfast and savor the meal. The meal was divine and cooked with great love.

We played a memory game given to me by my friend at work, and we reminisced.

It was great to take a nap and wake up to the smell of all the yummy food.

The morning after brought great joy through online Bible study with a friend at work, a long walk listening to Pray as You Go app and Brene Brown episode discussion of meaningful gatherings– a powerful listen for these times. “Love the ones you are with.”

Loving my time with Valentina. She’s working on her psychology project that is due tomorrow. It is a virtual scrapbook of her life to learn more about child development.

We met Parish’s side of the family at Shelter 3, Deep Run Park in Henrico, VA. As we socially distanced, we laughed and enjoyed celebrating Rowan’s birthday. It was perfect weather for a walk with Adelaide.

Thank you Victoria for visiting us and grandma on the patio today. The joy of children lighten the soul.